Fishing boat positioning apparatus



' United States Patent [72] Inventor: Charles A. Montague, Jr.

Memphis, Tennessee 38117 [21] Application No.: 788,898 [22] Filed: Jan.3,1969 [45] Patented: Aug. 4, 1970 [73] Assignee: Elvin A. Stafford(fifty percent),

Memphis, Tennessee [54] FISHING BOAT POSITIONING APPARATUS 9 Claims,Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl. 115/18, 115/35, 46/93 [51] Int. Cl. B63h 21/26 [50] Fieldof Search 115/18E, l8;9/1.5;46/93+;115l35 [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 3,013,518 12/1961 Smith 115/18 3,013,519 12/1961Wiggermann 115/35 3,279,417 10/1966 Moore et al. 115/70 PrimaryExaminer- Andrew H. Farrell Attorney John R. Walker, II!

ABSTRACT: The invention includes a substantially small propulsion unitadapted to be detachably attached on the underside of the bottom of aboat and preferably at the longitudinal and transverse center of theboat. Preferably, the propulsion unit includes a motor driven screwpropeller dependingly supported and driven on a vertical axis andoperative for causing an upward submerged current of water. Thepropulsion unit includes a deflector vane facing downwardly and adaptedfor deflecting the upward current of water horizontally therebyaffording thrust for moving the boat in a desired direction. Thedeflector vane is pivotable about a vertical axis for deflecting thewater in a desired horizontal direction and by reactive action causingthe boat to move oppositely horizontally. Electric. control meansincluding'a small control box is adapted for controlling the pivotalmovement of the deflector vane about its vertical axis. The control boxis adapted to be located near or supported on the person of thefisherman or operator of the boat. A second embodiment (FIGS. 6 and 7)of the invention includes offset mounting means for a screw propellermounted on a horizontal axis of rotation. The screw propeller of thesecond embodiment is supported for pivotal movement about a verticalaxis. The thrust from the propeller of the second embodiment providesdual power means for selectively positioning the propeller at a desiredtangential position relative to the vertical axis and provides majorthrust means for thrusting the boat in a desired direction.

Patented Aug- 4, 1970 3,522,788

I N VE NTOR.

WKz/ E CHARLES A. MONTAGUE, JR.

Patnted Aug. 4, 1970 3,522,788

INVENTOR.

CHARLES A. MONTAGUE, JR.

US. PATENT 3,522,788 FISHING BOAT POSITIONING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention: The invention relates to boatmotor means or boat positioning apparatus generally and particularlyrelates to detachable boat positioning means for positioning small watercraft such as fishing boats.

2. Description of the Prior Art: A principal problem in fishing from aboat is that of maintaining the boat in a proper position on the watersurface without interfering with the bait casting or fishing polehandling actions. Various small power fishing boat positioning deviceshave heretofore been designed and marketed for maintaining the fishingboat in proper position while fishing. Typically, such devices areadapted to be attached on a vertical side or back board of the fishingboat and at a location which is offset from the center of forces of thecurrent, wind and inertial forces acting on the boat. Patents No.2,213,520; No. 2,545,086: and No. 2,877,733 illustrate several forms offishing boat positioning or propelling devices adapted to be detachablyattached to a side or rear portion of a fishing boat.

A principal disadvantage of the boat positioning devices as mentionedabove is that in each of the devices the thrust is at an offset locationrelative to the center of forces of the current, wind, and inertialforces acting on the boat. Patent No. 2,213,520 seeks to obviate thisproblem by utilizing two separably operable control means arrangedrespectively on opposite sides of a fishing boat. Each of the threeabove menturning movement of the propeller mounting means. Electricalswitch means mounted in a control box located near the fishermanprovides simplified remote control means for actuating the solenoid ofthe propulsion unit and for controlling the direction of thrust on theboat. It is to be understoood that the thrust provided and directed bythe device of the present invention may be used either to move the boatin a desired direction or to hold it more or less stationary againstforces of wind or current.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view ofthe boat positioning apparatus mounted on a fishing boat (the boat beingshown in broken lines).

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of that shown in FIG. l.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken as on the line II]- III ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the boat propulsion unit.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the electrical components of theapparatus.

tioned patents utilizes a horizontal axis propeller mounted on aturnable vertical shaft and obtains directional control by turning theshaft in a desired direction of travel. Patent No. 2,877,733 utilizeselectric motor means and grear reduction means for turning the verticalshaft supporting the screw propeller motor. A substantial problem in thedesign of boat control devices utilizing horizontally mounted verticallypivotable screw propeller drive means has been that problem of effectingproper directional control of the screw propeller mounting. Anotherproblem also has been in providing power means for effecting the turningmovement of the screw propeller mounting means at a location remote fromthe fisherman. The boat positioning structure of Patent No. 2,877,733utilizes auxiliary electric motor means for effecting directionalcontrol or turning movement of the main drive motor driving the screwpropeller. Patent No. 2,213,520 utilizes rather complicated mechanicallinkage means for effecting control movement of a pair of screwpropellers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The boat propulsion unit of the presentinvention is rather small and compact and is adapted to be detachablyslung or supported on the underside of a fishing boat. The compactdesign of the propulsion unit permits the unit to be supportedunderneath the bottom of the boat at a location substantially at or nearthe center of the natural forces and applied forces acting on the boat.Such mounting means permits a fishing boat to be directed or thrusted ina desired direction without causing the boat to wheel around or bemaneuvered out of a desired fishing-position. The fishing boatpropulsion unit of this invention utilizes the reaction forces from thescrew propeller rotation to alter thrust direction and to afforddirectional control of the boat. A principal feature of the inventionresides in that concept whereby the main thrust generated by the boatdriving screw propeller is utilized also for effecting directionalcontrol of the mounting means mounting the drive propeller. By utilizingthe main thrust from the drive propeller for effecting also directionalcontrol of the propeller mounting means and thrust, a more simplifiedand effective boat positioning apparatus is provided. Substantiallysimple solenoid operated brake means controlling vertical turningmovement of the propeller mounting means, utilized in conjunction withthe thrust action of the main drive propeller, provides simplified powermeans for effecting the FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a secondembodiment of the apparatus illustrated as mounted on a fishing boat(the fishing boat being shown in broken lines).

FIG. 7 is an enlarged elevational view of the apparatus as viewed fromthe end of the fishing boat, and with parts broken away for purposes ofillustration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A primary or preferredembodiment of the invention, indicated by numeral 11, is illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 and is described in conjunction with a fishing boat B. Boatpositioning apparatus 11 basically includes a propulsion unit 13including a propeller means, such as a screw propeller 15, and electricmotor means 17 driving propeller l5; electromechanical switch meanscontained in control box 19, an electrical storage battery 21,electrical conduit means 23, 25 interconnecting respectively battery 21with propulsion unit 13; and attachment means stationarily attachingpropulsion unit 13 on the bottom of boat B including a pair of strapmembers 27 having hooked end portions 29 hooked over edge portions E ofopposite side walls S of boat B.

Propulsion unit 13 includes a generally cylindrical hollow frame 31including a cylindrical side wall portion 33, a generally disk-shapedhorizontal upper portion 35 integrally secured with cylindrical wall 33and includes an apertured bottom portion including a center 37, a lowerrim portion 39, and spoke portions 41 radiating outwardly andinterconnecting center and rim portions 37, 39. Although frame 31 isshown of integral construction the upper and lower portions thereofpreferably are formed separately and fitted together by suitablefastening means (not shown). Frame 31 is stationarily secured on theunderside of boat B with frame upper portion 35 being in parallelarrangement with bottom panel P of the boat. Cushioning members 43 areinterposedly arranged between frame upper portion 35 and theundersurface of boat bottom panel P. Loop portions 45 formed on thelower end portions respectively of strap members 27 are engagedrespectively with eye portions 47 formed on opposite sides of frameupper portion 35. Adjustable buckle means 49 interposedly fittedrespectively in strap members 27 provide means for adjusting theeffective length respectively of the strap members for tightly securingthe propulsion unit on the boat bottom.

Electric motor means 17 preferably includes an elongated housing 51normally stationarily supporting internal arranged field coils (notshown); an armature and drive shaft assembly 53, 55 and bearing means 57rotatingly supportingassembly 53, 55 in housing 51. A cone-shapedspinner 59 threadedly engaged with armature shaft 55 fixedly securespropeller 15 on shaft 55.

Motor means 17 is arranged concentrically vertically in the interior offrame 31 and is preferably rotatably supported on upper and lowerbearings 60, 61 supported respectively in upper portion 35 and lowerannular center portion 37 of frame 31. Coaxially aligned upper and lowerbearings 60, 61 permit independent movement respectively of motorhousing 51 or armature drive shaft assembly 55 relative to frame 31. Astud projection 63 fixedly projecting upwardly from the upper portion 35of frame 31 is fixedly secured in the inner race of upper bearing 60.Lower bearing 61 is mounted in annular center portion 37 of frame 31 andreceives radial and axial thrust forces exerted on propeller spinner 59.

Upon actuation of motor means 17, rotative movement of propeller causesa vertical upward current of water in the interior of frame 31 (thecurrent flow is indicated by arrows in FIG. 3). A series of verticallyelongated apertures 65 intermittently spaced about the circumferentialperiphery of frame cylindrical side wall 33 defines discharge outletmeans for the upward current of water in the interior of frame 31. Asomewhat scoop-shaped deflector vane 67 is fixedly supported on theupper portion of motor housing 51 and is rotatively supported coaxiallywith respect to the axis of rotation of housing 51 in bearings 60, 61.Thus, deflector vane 67 is turnable on a vertical axis in a horizontalplane of rotation along with motor housing 51. The deflector vane ispreferably in the form of a horizontal generally flat portion 69 and agenerally semi-cylindrical vertical portion 71 integrally formed withflat portion 69 and terminating in a downwardly oriented semi-circularrim portion 73. Semi-cylindrical wall 71 of deflector vane 67 is closelyspaced internally of cylindrical side wall 33 of frame 31 and uponswinging arced movement of deflector vane 67, semi-cylindrical wall 71covers or uncovers certain ones of apertures 65.

Deflector vane 67 deflects the upward flow of water in the interior offrame 31 generally in a direction opposite from deflector vane wall 71and through certain apertures 65. As illustrated in FIG. 3, apertures65a are occluded by wall 71 of deflector vane 67 and the current isdirected through open apertures 65b. The forcible stream or current ofwater issuing from open apertures 65b causes a contradirectionalreactive force to be exerted on wall 71 and transmitted throughapparatus 11 to boat B. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the forcible currentof water toward the right will cause thrust to be exerted on the boat ina direction toward the left. Selective turning movement of deflectorvane 67 in the upper interior of frame 31 is operative for causing ahorizontal current of water in substantially any desired radialdirection from the vertical axis of propulsion unit 13.

A solenoid assembly including coacting coil means 75 and armature means77 is operatively supported between upper portion 35 of frame 31 andmotor housing structure 51. Solenoid coil means 75 preferably is fixedlysupported vertically on a horizontal projection 79 formed integrallywith deflector vane horizontal portion 69. Coil and armature assembly75, 77 defines brake means for braking the horizontal rotationalmovement of deflector vane 67 relative to frame 31. Armature means 77preferably is in the form of a plunger concentrically received insolenoid coil 75 and operative upon de-energizing the coil forprojection against the undersurface of frame upper portion 35. Solenoidassembly 75, 77 includes spring means (not shown) yieldably urgingarmature plunger means 77 outwardly from coil means 75 and to brakingengagement with the undersurface of frame upper portion 35. Whensolenoid assembly 75, 77 is in a de-energized condition, plunger-likearmature 77 is yeildably urged outwardly by the solenoid spring meansand locks the rotative movement of deflector vane 67 relative to frame31. Electrically energizing the solenoid assembly causes retraction ofplunger-like armature 77 from engagement with upper portion 35 of frame31 and permits free rotative movement of the deflector vane and motorhousing combination 67, 51.

Contradirectionally operative torque forces in motor means 17 providesmeans for selectively moving deflector vane 67 clockwise orcounterclockwise in the interior of frame 31. When motor means 17 isenergized, the contradirectional forces between propeller, drive shaft,armature combination 17, 55, 53 and the motor housing, deflector vanecombination 51, 67 function for urging the propeller and deflector vaneoppositely and for positioning the deflector vane at a desired locationin the propulsion unit frame. By way of example, if it is desired tomove deflector vane 67 in a counterclockwise direction, propeller 15will be energized clockwise. The rotational force generated within themotor tending to rotate the propeller in a given direction tends torotate the deflector vane in the opposite direction. Simultaneouslymomentarily energizing solenoid coil means 75 and motor means 17functions for causing turning movement of the deflector vane. Byenergizing motor means 17 for clockwise or counterclockwise movement,the deflector vane may be slightly moved respectively counterclockwiseor clockwise. When deflector vane 67 is moved to a desired position,solenoid assembly 75, 77 is deenergized, thereby permitting brakingaction between deflector vane 67 and frame 31; with deflector vane 67braked at a desired location, motor means 17 is energized in a directionfor causing an upward current of water through frame 31; continuouslyrotating propeller 15 causes an intake of water through lower frameopenings 80 and outwardly through uncovered apertures 65b to provide thedesired thrust.

The electrical circuit means (see FIG. 5) in addition to solenoid coil75 includes field and armature windings 81, 83 of motor means 17, andswitch means 85, 87, 89, 91, 93. The electrical circuit means preferablyincludes a rheostat or silicon control rectifier for controlling thespeed of motor means 17. Mechanical means (not shown) interconnectswitches 85, 87, 89, 91, 93 for causing a desired condition ofpropulsion unit 13. Control box 19 preferably is fitted with a switchlever 97 which is positionable in either of four positions (see FIG. 3).Control box 19 is also fitted with a rheostat control wheel 99 toactuate rheostat 95 for controlling the speed of the propulsion motor.The position indicated by numeral 1 in FIG. 3 is an off position. Theapparatus is inoperative when the lever 97 is in the off or No. 1position. Preferably, lever 97 is spring-loaded to return from positionsNo. 2 or 4 to position No. 3. When the switch lever is arranged inposition No. 3, solenoid coil 75 is de-energized with deflector vane 67being braked and in a stationary disposition; motor means 17 isenergized and propeller 15 running and causing an upward flow of currentthrough the uncovered apertures 65. By turning switch lever 97momentarily to position No. 2 the solenoid is energized, releasing thebraking action on deflector vane 67 and simultaneously motor armatureshaft 55 is caused to turn clockwise. The clockwise turning of the motorshaft and propeller causes a slight counterclockwise movement of thedeflector vane. Releasing spring-loaded switch lever 97 permits thelever to return to position No. 3 and causes steady rotational movementof the propeller for propelling the boat in a desired direction. Turningcontrol lever 97 to position No. 4 energizes the solenoid andsimultaneously reverses the polarity of the armature windings, therebycausing a reversal of the motor rotation. Releasing switch lever 97 toposition No. 3 again causes continuous propulsion action by thepropulsion unit.

The condition of each switch means 85, 87, 89, 91, 93 is indicated belowfor each of the four positions of switch lever 97. Moving switch leverto position No. 2 causes counterclockwise movement of deflector vane 67;moving the lever to position No. 4 causes clockwise movement of thedeflector vane; and, releasing the lever to position No. 3 holds thedeflector vane stationary for thrust or propulsion of the boat in aselected direction.

Control box 19 is conveniently located or preferably is attached on thefishermans leg as he sits in the boat and permits unhampered baitcasting or pole handling actions by the fisherman. With only negligiblepractice, the fisherman will become adept at manipulating control lever97 for causing the thrust to be in a desired direction for desiredmovement of the boat.

A second embodiment of the boat positioning apparatus is indicated bynumeral 111 and includes a propulsion unit 113, a propeller 115 drivenby electric motor means 117, electromechanical switch means including acontrol box 119; a battery 121, and electrical conduit means 123,interconnecting respectively propulsion unit 113 with battery 121 andcontrol box 119. Strap members 127 having hooked end portions 129detachably attach propulsion unit 113 on the underside of the boatbottom. Propulsion unit 113 includes a flattened dislc like frame 131having upper and lower surfaces 133, 135. Eye portions 137 integrallyformed with opposite side portions of frame 131 permanently engage loopportions 139 of strap members 127. Pad members 140 interposedly arrangedbetween frame 131 and the boat bottom panel P provide cushioning meansbetween propulsion unit 113 and boat B.

Electric motor means and propeller assembly 117, 115 is rotatablysupported subjacently of frame 131 by offset mounting structure 141including upper structure 143 and lower structure 145. Offset mountingupper structure 143 is generally disk-like and turnably supportedsubjacently disklike frame 131 by thrust pivot means 147. A tubular studprojection 149 integrally formed with upper offset structure 143turnably extends through an aperture 151 in frame 131. A retainer flange153, or other retaining means, prevents relative axial displacement ofoffset'mounting structure 141 and frame 131. Ballbearing means 155interposedly arranged between offset structure 143 and frame 131 permitsfree turning movement of offset mounting structure 141 relative to theframe structure. The lower end portion of offset structure 145 isfixedly secured on motor housing 157 at a position on the housinglaterally horizontally offset from the centerline of the motor housingand propeller axis of rotation. The offset mounting means of propeller115 relative to the vertical center axis of mounting structure 141affords means for turning mounting structure 141 clockwise orcounterclockwise respectively by selectively causing propeller 115 toturn in one direction or in a direction counter thereto.

A solenoid assembly 159 including a plunger 161 provides means forreleasably locking the relative movement of offset mounting structure141 relative to frame 131. Plunger 161 is spring urged outwardlyupwardly against undersurface 135 of frame 131 and defines braking meansfor braking or locking the rotative free turning movement of offsetmounting structure 141 relative to frame 131.

The electro-mechanical switch means and electrical circuit means ofsecond embodiment 111 is similar to the electromechanical switch meansof first embodiment 11. Manipulation of lever 163 of control box 119 isoperative for causing coordinated movements of solenoid assembly plunger161 with the forward and reverse rotation of propeller 115. When it isdesired to change the direction of thrust of propulsion unit 113 on boatB, offset mounting structure 141 and motor means propeller combination117, 115 is shifted by selectively causing reverse or forward rotationof propeller 115 while solenoid assembly plunger 161 is in a retracteddisposition from frame undersurface 135. Releasing control box switchlever 163 and permitting the lever to return to a neutral positionde-energizes solenoid assembly 159 permitting plunger 161 to braltinglyengage frame 131 and simultaneously cause continuous rotation ofpropeller 115 for thrust on the boat in a desired direction.Manipulating control box rhcostat wheel 165 permits selective control ofthe propeller speed and control of the propulsive force of propulsionunit 113.

it will be understood that the frame 31 or 131 could be integrallyformed as part of the boat B without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention.

lclaim:

1. Boat positioning apparatus for positioning a boat on a body of watercomprising current generating means for generating a horizontally movingcurrent in the body of water including propeller means, means rotatinglymounting said current generating means from said boat for movement abouta vertical axis with said propeller means adapted to extend into thebody of water for causing a current of water moving generally outwardlyaway from the vertical axis and thereby causing a horizontal thrust onsaid boat, and selectively operative means for rotatingly positioningsaid current generating means about a vertical axis including meansresponsive to the reactive thrust of said current generating means.

2. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidcurrent generating means includes an electric motor including a housingand a drive shaft adapted to be selectively contradirectionallyrotatably urged upon energizing said motor, means mounting said motorwith said shaft on a vertical axis, means securing said propeller meanson the lower end of said motor shaft in a horizontal plane of rotation,said propeller means being operative for causing an upward current ofwater, and deflector vane means supported from said motor housing havinga deflecting surface oriented generally downwardly toward said propellermeans, the upward current of water from said propeller means beingdeflected horizontally by said deflector vane, the reactive action ofthe water deflected from said deflector vane being operative forpropelling the boat in a direction opposite to the direction of currentof the deflected water.

3. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein saidmeans mounting said current generating means includes a frame structurefixed relative to said boat and wherein said means for rotatinglypositioning said current generating means includes an electro-mechanicalsolenoid as sembly including coacting coil means and armature meansrelatively convergingly divergingly operative upon electricallyenergizing or de-energizing said coil means, means operably supportingsaid solenoid assembly between said frame structure and said motorhousing for releasably locking the rotative movement of said currentgenerating means relative to said frame structure, first switch meansselectively operative for starting and stopping said motor, and secondswitch means for energizing and de-energizing said solenoid forreleasing or locking the rotative movement of said current generatingmeans.

4. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 3 whichadditionally includes third switch means for reversing the rotation ofsaid motor shaft and thus the propeller means.

5. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 4 5 wherein saidframe structure is separable from the bottom of said boat and wherein isincluded means supporting said frame structure on the boat bottomincluding flexible strap means engaging and extending oppositely fromsaid frame structure and including releasable hook means for releasableengagement with the opposite side structure of the boat and wherein saidmeans for rotatingly positioning said current generating means includesa control box housing said first, second and third switch means, thecontrol box being adapted to be located near or supported on the personof the operator of the boat.

6. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidpropeller means is disposed for rotation about a horizontal axis offsetlaterally from said vertical axis of said current generating means.

7. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidcurrent generating means includes an electric motor including a housingand a drive shaft, means firmly securing said propeller means on saiddrive shaft, elongated offset mounting structure including an upperproximal end portion arranged contiguously of the vertical axis of thecurrent generating means and including a lower distal end portionarranged subjacently of and offset horizontally from said vertical axisand including means firmly interconnecting the motor housing with thedistal end portion of said offset mounting structure with a plane ofrotation of said propeller means being generally parallel with andadjacent the vertical axis of said current generating means.

8. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein saidmeans mounting said current generating means includes a frame structurefixed relative to said boat and wherein said means for rotatinglypositioning said current generating means includes an electro-mechanicalsolenoid assembly including coacting coil means and armature meansrelatively convergingly divergingly operative upon electricallyenergizing or de-energiz'ing said coil means, means operativelysupporting said solenoid assembly between said frame structure and saidmotor housing for releasably locking the rotative movement of saidcurrent generating means relative to said frame structure, first switchmeans selectively operative for stopping and starting said motor, secondswitch means selectively operative for energizing or de-energizing saidsolenoid means for releasing or locking the rotative movement of saidcurrent generating means, and third switch means selectively operativefor reversing the rotation of said motor and thus the rotation of saidpropeller.

9. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein saidframe structure is separable from the bottom of said boat and whereinmeans is provided for fixedly supporting said frame structure on saidboat bottom including strap means engaging and extending oppositely fromsaid frame structure and including releasable hook means for releasableengagement with the opposite side structure of the boat, and whereinsaid means for rotatingly positioning said current generating meansincludes a control box housing said first, second and third switchmeans, the control box being adapted to be located near or supported onthe person of the operator of the boat,

